Disneyland Paris 25th: Quarter of a Century Celebration Not to be Missed

Born and raised in South Florida, Megan’s love for Disney started before she could even walk. Her family would take yearly trips to this magical land where dreams come true. After a 4 year Disney withdrawal while in college, Megan decided her life would never again be without that magic, and moved to Orlando. Now, as a soon to be wife, Megan is helping her fiancé integrate into the Disney lifestyle. She and her fiancé are food and music lovers, and can be found at every festival Epcot has. In order to be a foodie, Megan found a passion for running. She participates in as many Run Disney events as possible. Her motto: “Why not have a little magic in every mile?”

The glitter of Disneyland Paris doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. In fact, in pure Disney fashion, they use the darkness to their advantage. Ten minutes before the firework spectacular begins Sleeping Beauty’s castle lights up with brilliant colors and projected images, paying tribute to Mother Earth. But the magic doesn’t stop there by any means, just as you’re being mesmerized by the falling flowers, and flying monarch butterflies, water cannons fire water into the air taller than the castle itself. Oh, and did I mention this isn’t even the start of Disneyland Paris Illuminations, their regularly scheduled firework show?

The transition between the two shows is barely enough time for you to catch your breath. The Illuminations show begins with Mickey lighting up the castle to “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” which makes numerous appearances throughout Illuminations. Mickey takes you on a journey through all of your favorites including the Lion King, The Little Mermaid (who sings in French), Finding Nemo, Pirates of the Caribbean, Beauty and the Beast (which has been updated to have Live Action movie clips), a small tribute to Up which leads into a galactic display any Star Wars fan would love, and of course Frozen has their own section (which is also in French). For the grand finale, there’s a reprise of “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and all the Disney characters appear at one time or another in this grand display of fireworks, projections, water cannons, fire cannons, and my personal favorite, laser lights.

Disneyland Paris has taken a combination of Magic Kingdom’s Wishes and Epcot’s Illuminations and perfected it. One thing that I’m still in shock over is how they used the smoke from the fireworks to their advantage with laser lights and water cannons. This nighttime show is easily the best firework display I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Even my fiancé, who is slowly becoming a Disney fan, was in awe over the display. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I would happily repeat.